Constance Ikokwu
23 December 2008
Washington, D.c. — The inauguration ceremony of President-elect, Barack Obama, scheduled for January 20, 2009 is expected to draw a record-breaking crowd of at least four million people, with Africans making up a sizeable number, THISDAY has learnt.
The star-studded event will feature several American and African inspired inaugural balls such as that organised by Africa Aspire, an initiative of Africans, the African Diaspora and Friends of Africa dedicated to forging a new and robust partnership between the United States and the continent.
Africa Aspire's inaugural ball to be held in conjunction with the prestigious Smithsonian Museum of African Art on January 20, 2009, will attract African leaders, the diplomatic corps, international celebrities, political and cultural leaders.
The event will be attended by Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and headlined by world renowned artist, Youssou N'Dour.
Invited guests include President-elect and his wife, Michelle, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, former President Bill Clinton, his wife and Secretary of State-designate, Hillary Clinton, General Colin Powell (rtd), United Nations' (UN) Ambassador-designate, Susan Rice, US Congressmen, Russell Feingold and Donald Payne among others.
It will also feature a video tribute from former South African President Nelson Mandela, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golden.
In a statement, Africa Aspire said its vision is to "develop and nurture in Africa and throughout the Diaspora a new spirit of pride, inclusion and engagement awakened by the inspirational and transformational candidacy of President-elect, Barack Obama."
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Indeed, it’s going to be crazy. For everyone's most basic need, check out “Where to Pee in DC: A Guide for the Inauguration” for tips on locating bathrooms around the National Mall on the big day (on ebay, item 120351046988).